Dust from a new housing estate dozens didn't want built is said to be covering cars and nearby homes

The field residents used to look out on - and (inset) an artist's impression of the new estate - image - icreate.co.uk

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Noise and dust from a construction site in Gower has been blighting residents' lives opposite, it has been claimed.

Social housing group and developer Coastal Housing is behind a new 70-home scheme off Pennard Drive, Pennard.

Michael Fussell, whose mother lives opposite the under-construction estate, said cars and houses in Pennard Drive were being covered in dust.

He claimed the noise of the work was compounded for residents by the coronavirus lockdown.

Mr Fussell added: "Most alarmingly, the blind corner at the top of Pennard Drive has seen protective barriers progressing into the street and giant construction vehicles parked on the corner which is also the site entrance."

The construction site off Pennard Drive, and barriers which appear to be jutting out

He also queried whether social distancing measures were being adhered to by the contractor, Waterstone Homes.

In response, Waterstone Homes' parent company Jehu Group said it took health and safety very seriously and insisted that it was operating safely within Government guidelines and in line with Covid-19 site operating procedures.

Jehu Group said it was working "extremely hard" to suppress dust - using a bowser (water tanker) when required - during what had been a very dry April and May to date.

It added: "In relation to parking, there is ample parking facilities on site for staff, trades and delivery vehicles, however, we have recently been made aware of some delivery companies not adhering with our guidelines and logistic plan.

"To address this, we are actively working with these delivery colleagues to address matters."

This was the view from Pennard Drive before the new housing estate was given planning permission

Coastal Housing's head of development, Rhianydd Jenkins, said it appreciated construction was more visible during the lockdown and that it was mindful of the increased impact.

Mr Jenkins added: "Whether or not works can proceed safely is a decision for our construction partners. Some of our development sites have closed but at others contractors have assured us they're able to continue safely and in line with physical distancing guidelines issued by the Welsh Government.

"If people living locally have concerns about the operation of sites, we'd advise them to discuss these with the site manager."

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The Pennard development on a field opposite Pennard Drive will include 36 affordable houses and flats. Six of the 70 properties will be built by a local not-for-profit social enterprise, the Down to Earth Project.

The controversial Coastal Housing scheme had prompted three petitions and 138 letters of objection before it was approved by Swansea Council's planning committee in April, 2019.

Speaking at the meeting, planning agent Phil Baxter - on behalf of Coastal Housing - said the scheme would "enable younger generations to compete in a housing market, in Pennard in particular, where at the moment they struggle”.